Parachute equipment



Sept. 20, 1949. G. ROGERS ET AL 2,482,693

PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT I Filed July 14, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR)Hero/d P It Cea/zr xVSjZ/P.

ATTORNEYS.

Sept. 20, 1949.

Filed July 14, 1945 H. G. ROGERS ET AL PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT 8Sheets-Sheet 2 7 I -INVENTOR.S

Harald .Qo ers- CAL, w flk ATTORNEYS.

p 1949- H. G. ROGERS ET AL 2,482,693,

PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT Eiled July 14, 1945 INVENTORS ATTORNEYS.

Sept. 20, 1949; H. G. ROGERS Em. 2,482,693

PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT Filed July 14, 1945 Y 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS. vHam/a er; ll 8 v flea/er CT '04? ATTORNEYS.

S 1949- I H. G. ROGERS ET AL 2,482,693

PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT Filed July 14, 1945 8 sheets Sheet 5 H 6 QINVENYTORS am age/t5 6666 2? C- Kgyan.

ATTORNEYS.

Sept. 20, 1949. H. G/ROGERS ET AL 7 2,482,693

PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT Filed July 14, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Ii 1Z INVENTORSATTORNEYS.

Sept. 20, 1949. H. G. ROGERS ET AL PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT 8 Sheets-Sheet '7Filed July 14, 1945 INVENTORS 2/15 Kafa ar).

Sept. 20, 1949. H. G. ROGERS ET AL FARACHUTE EQUIPMENT 8 Sheets-Sheet 8Filed July 14, 1945 INVENTORI.

n mm m M iT ld u c. ,az am.

ATTOR EY:

Patented Sept. 20, 1949 r PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT .Harold G. Rogers,Lexington, Ky., and'Chester C. Kaidan, Buffalo, N. Y., assignors toIrving Air Chute Company, Inc., Bulfalo,-N. Y., a corporationApplication July 14, 1945, Serial No. 605,071

1 24 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in parachute packs.

The primary object of this invention is the provision of a parachutepack of the back pack type constructed to conform to the shape andcontour of the back of a wearer and of a nature to readily flexlongitudinally to permit the wearer to stoop and move about with ease,and under such circumstances that the pack will still conform to thewearers back without presenting projecting portions. Y

A further object of this invention is the provision of a form fittingback type parachute pack constituting an improvement upon the ErwinHouse Nichols form fitting parachute pack set forth in United StatesPatent 1,882,086, in that the container presents maximum longitudinaland lateral space for receiving the parachute and shroud lines undersuch condition that the pack will present a rather thin and flexibleconstruction which will'conform to the body of a wearer and yet 'admitof bending so that the wearer may move longitudinally and twisttransversely in a comfortable manner.

A further object of this invention is the provision'of an improvedparachute pack which embodies a container having a minimum of metalshape providing parts, and so constructed that the parachute canopy andshroud lines may with facility and safety beipacked in the containerunder such circumstances as to prevent injury thereto and yet provide apack which is relatively thin and entirely flexible to admit of normalmovement of an aviator, whether he be a pilot, parachutist, gunner, etc.7

With present aircraft it is sometimes necessary for aviators to.move'about in confined spaces. With that in mind, it' is a purposeofthe present invention to provide a form fitting para-.

chute back pack without'cumbersome projection and protuberances, andwhich will flexibly conform to the shape of the wearers body.

A further object, of this invention is the prorelation with parachutebody attaching harness;-

Other objects and-advantages of this, invention v2 will be apparentduring the course of the following detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings wherein for the purpose of illustration areshown difierent forms of the improved parachute back pack Figure 1 is aperspective view of one form of the improved pack and single pointrelease harness associated in an improved relation therewith. I

Figure 2 is a normal front view of theparachute pack in a packedcondition.

Figure 3 is a normal rear view of the parachute pack in a packedcondition. v

Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken thru the improvedpack substantially on the line 4-4 of Figure 3. 1

Figure 5 is avtransverse cross sectional View taken substantially on theline 5-5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a view showing the flaps of the pack open and the parachutecanopy removed, with the shroud lines: tucked in place and the riserwebs extending from the pack.

Figures 7 and 8 are crosssectional views taken substantially on theirrespective lines in Figure 6 of the drawings, and ShOWiIlg moreparticularly reinforcing improvements in the pack.

Figure 9 is a developed'view showing the association of the variousmetal frame details of the pack container. I I i Figure 10 is aperspective view of another form of the improved form fitting parachuteback pack.

Figure 11 is a normal front view of the pack of Figure 10. n v l Figure12 is a normal rear View of the pack of FigurelO. V v

Figure 13 is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken thru thesecondform of improved parachute pack substantially on the line l3|3 ofFigure 12. I

Figure 14 is a transverse cross sectional View taken thru the pack ofFigure 12 substantially on the line l4'l4 of Figure 12.

Figure 15 is a view of the pack showing the flaps open and the relationof packed shroud lines the-rein.-

Figures 16, 18 and 19 are crosssectional views 3 ness C associated in animproved relation therewith. The harness is of the single point releasetype including a U-shaped sling structure having riser webs 26 and 21which extend into the pack container as shown in Figure 6 of thedrawings. This harness includes a single point release coupling 3fl;the=general purposeofwhich is set forth in U. s. Patent 1,899,656; Thesingle point release harness includes back straps SI and 32 which crossat the back of the wearer and are secured by adapters 33 to the riser,webs. of. the harness and extend downwardly at the front of the wearerat 34 and 35 andaarethreadedthru. fastener parts 36 adaptedfor-detachable connec-- tion with the single point release coupling 30.From the fastener parts 36 the straps 34 and 35 are adjustably connectedtogether tQfQlm' agbafiky cross strap 38. The back straps 31 and 32 attheir lower ends are stitched at 39 to the riser webs of the U-shapedsling. The harness furthermore includes leg straps A8? and;4 I secured.upon; the seat portion 42 of the sling. 25.: and extended: therefromaroundtheriser-webs ofthesling. as shown" in .Figured; to provide legreceiving loops; The ends of-these straps ell-and 4| are adjustably;provided .;with;.loops and. adapters to support fastener. partsAfi, for.detachable connection with.

' the single .point;release. coupling 30.

Referring to the pack B, the same generally; includes a.contai nerCadaptedto receive a parachute canopy D and shroudlines E in packed;relationtherein.

The container C is of an improved construction, best adapted;to.re.c.eive the canopy and shroud lines therein .toprovide apack whichisrelatively thin and extended both longitudinally and transe. versely.to the maximum dimensions, and under suchconditions that the pack mayreadily: flex. to conformto the bending of the wearersbody i 66 whichare endwise convex and likewise convexly curved thruout their lengths.

The frame structure shown in Figure 9 defines the shape of the pack; thecurved portions 86 of the frame fixing the curved shape of the pack atits upper and lower margins as shown in Figure 3. These frame-portionsareplaced betweenthe plies of material-ofthe back of the container andintimately fit in position by stitching which borders all of the barportions of these various frame pieces.

It will be noted that the frame structure when securedinlpositionpresents a back pack container with-considerable spacebetween adjacent bar porwithout any projecting extensions which might.

catch upon'some part'of the. aircraft.

Referring to thedetailed construction of'the container C, thesameincludes what is conventionally referred to, in the parachute art,,as. a

back-or body portion 150.: of flexible fabric matei rial, having top andbottom flaps 15L and52rrespectively associatedtherewith and side flaps 53; and 54.; The general, configuration of the. container back portionis, rectangular; the.

sides being straight... but; the upper and lower tionsv 6'! aresecuredtogether, at their. endsin. I;

parallelism by the end bar pieces 68.

The end pieces Bland; 6| are. similar in construction; eachincluding. atransversely flexible.- structure 62' similarin nature to the parts .62;each including. parallel bars 63, w hich .are longie tudinally curvedand secured-attheir ends bycbar portions 64. The frame structure and 6I. fur.- thermore include the, contiguous side pieces 65; (in linewith-thebar portions 64); andatthe ends. the pieces 60 and B! haveflexible cross portions.

- tions=62and fiil -sothat the pack has easy longitudinal flexing.Of-course the spring nature of the frame-work;willzpermit transverseflexing and actually the bar portions are transversely flexed when thecontainer is closed to admit of ready opening of the flaps of thecontainer. This tensioning: of the bar portions whenthe container isclosed, with the parachute canopy therein, does not interfere withproper curvature of the framework in conformity tothe. back of'thewearer,

since the. harness will hold. the-back pack intimately against the shapeof the wearers back.

It will be noted that. the side flaps 53 and: 5%

extendsubstantially the fulllength of the cone tainer-with the exceptionof the bowed ends 655 1 ofjthe frame work; Inewidthsthey are sufficientto overlap in conventional manner. The top and bottomflaps Eland 52 arerelatively short.

The outer side .fiapid lnis provided with grommets l5 and theotherlsideflap 53., as well as the top andvbottom flaps 51 and 52; areprovided with cones adaptedto. interfit in, conventional manner with thegrommetsJlLr As shown in Figure 30f thegdrawings. .aripgcord housing 12is secured at 'ldzcentrally upon the outer surface. of the top flap 5 land-this housingzextends along; the riser web-of the harness andissecured'. at l 5. The rip cord, extendsg-thruthis.housing and has arip cord. handle. 16 whichispocketed in conventional relation on theriser. web of the harness,

= asshown in Figure 11;:

An important feature. of the-invention is the provision of flexiblefabric webbing reinforcement alongthe-sides of the container exteriorlythereon; generally designated ;at-; suchwebbing :includingaportion8l1secured1as by stitching to theexterior ofthe fabric back 50 andextending around. the marginof theback and at 82:1 over theexternalsurfaceof eachofethe side flaps-53,

and ;54,. as bestshown in-Figure 8.: This web .bing is rather stiff andreinforces the sides of the pack againstwear; holds -.theshape of thepack, andprevents the-:pinchingof the shroud lines and canopy.within-.thevpack.

Anjimproved association of shroud line retain- ..-,.ing pockets inrelation to the frame structure is associated .with' the. containerconsisting of strips 84 and'85 securedupon the inside-surface of theback .of the pack, defining pockets 86 for receiving the ends-of the.shroud lines when tucked in zigzag fashion crosswise upon the back ofthe pack, as

shown in Figure 6; the pockets86being all located either withinthelarge. open partof end frame pieces, or in the spaces between the. frameportions 62-and 62 These pockets do not directly overlie any part of theframework, and of course,

as-an incident of flexing of the framework, the pocket-and the shroudtucked, therein will not be appreciablydisturbed: This'prevents chafingof the shroud lines. etc.

As a cooperative part of the--pack= container j' Referring to theassociation of the one piece 7 point release harness C upon the packstructure B, We provide a transverse harness securing strip 94 upon thenormal outer surface of the back of thecontainer, as shown in Figure 1,stitched to the two plies of the back 50 of the container and at itsends having snap fasteners 95 for detachably holding the upper crosspieces 3| and 32 of the harness in :position upon the pack. Guard strips96 having snap fasteners 91 are provided uponthe back 50 of the pack atthe sides thereof for holding the lower ends of the cross pieces 3| and32 o-f the harness in place. As shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, thesestrips are continuedand provided with snap fasteners 38 at their lowerends for detachably holding the cross piece of the harness in position.

The position holding flaps 90 and 9| receive the riser webs of the slingof the harness therein just above the seat portion 42 at a point just below where the leg straps 40 and II are turned about the riser webs.Thus, these loops 93 hold the leg straps in position and define a meansof properly locating the leg straps, from which position they cannotride down the riser webs.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that with the single pointrelease harness, in its association, above defined, with the pack, willinsure that the pack will be held snugly along the sides and conform tothe contour of the wearers back. Theposition flaps 90 and 9| hold thepack snugly at the sides and also are a means of holding the harnessproperly upon the body.

Referring to the form of pack and harness structure. shown in Figures 10to 19 inclusive, therein is shown the harness C which conforms inallessential characteristics to the harness C above described, and thesame reference characters have been applied to both harnesses. However,in association with the harness C' of the form of invention shown inFigure 10, is an improved pack G which, while possessing some of thecharacteristics of the form of pack C above described, is diiferent insome respects, altho the purpose of the invention and the functionsserved by it are in the main the same as that above defined for the packB. Referring to the pack G, the same includes a container H wherein itis adapted to releasably store a canopy K and shroud lines L in a mannerto be subsequently mentioned.

. The pack G is characterized by the fact that it is extremely flexibleand uses an exact minimum of flexible metal or plastic spring materialfor .reinforcing and holding the position of the pack.

. The container H includes what is referred to .as the normal backportion I00, which is of double ply" material. The side flaps IN and I02are provided, extending along the entire length of the packwith theexception of the upper bowed portion of the pack enclosed. A bottom freeflap I04 is provided along thepbottom margin of the, back Wall I00, anda pocketed flap I05 is secured ture' I00 of the container, below thelowermost .6 upon the back'wall structure I00 of'thepack. This flap isnot entirely free, in that its upper margin I06 is convexly curvedupwards and stitched to the back wall of the flap, presentinga pocketwhich receives part Of the canopy structime It is an aim of thisinvention to provide as long and wide a container surface as possibles0-that the pack will be relatively thin at all points and yet conformto the curvature of the backof the wearer.

Preferably three spring metal frame pieces II 0 are provided between theplies of the back wall I00; one of them being placed midway between thetop and bottom of the pack and the other about one-sixth of the distancefromthe top and bottom margins of the pack container. These pieces IIOmay be of springmetal or plastic or other material and extend from sidemargin to side margin of the Pack. They are of double barconstructiomeach including bar portions I I I and H2 secured at theirends by end bar portions H3. The bars III and H2 between their ends mayhave an elongated connectingportion II4 which adds to the longitudinalresiliency of these members IIB, since it is at this point that thespring frame portion fulcrums during transverse flexing thereof. Theterminals of thebar .portions I I0 are shown in Figure 14 short of theextreme'side marginal edges of the container.

Thelower portion I20 =ofthe back wall struc frame piece III), as shownin Figure 15 of the drawings, is completely flexible, yet reinforced bymeans of an additional piece of webbing or fabric placed between theplies of the back 50, as indicated at I20? in Figure 19 of the drawings.The plies and this webbing are held together by means of transversestitching I2I in closely spaced relation. This structure is suflicientto hold the position of the pack when the parachute canopy and shroudlines are packed therein. The upper .part" of the back wall structureI00 is similarly formed, above the uppermost, frame piece III). Thisportion of the back wall structure is indicated at I25 in Figures 15 and18 of the drawings, andincludes a fabric piece" I25 (see Figure. 18)between the plies of the back wall, stiffened by means of closely spacedtransverse stitching indicated in dotted lines in Figure 15 of thedrawings at I26. This flap structure I25, forming a part of the backwall, extends above the top margin of the flap I05. It is adapted tooverlie the back below the neckof the wearer in a comfortable position,holding of the back structure upon the wearer. r

. The normal transverse curvature oft'he spring bars or members IIIlareflexed somewhat when the pack is closed, but they are still curved, asshown in Figure 14, to comfortably conform to the back of the wearer.

The structure of the container along the side margins of the pack isimportant in that the flaps [WI and I02 are provided with reinforcedflexible webbing I30 stitched upon the respective flaps at I3I, as shownin Figure 16 of the drawings; this webbing and the flaps IBI and I02being stitched at I32 upon the extension portion 133 of the backstructure IIO beyond the ends of the frame pieces I I0, as shown inFigure 16. This webbing I30 adds reinforcement and stiffness to thesides of the pack for the purposeof reinforcement-shape holding andprevents pinching 'of the material within the container. "HThe packalsoincludes body positioning flaps I35 and I36 secured along the sidemargins of amassethe :container, eextendingjfrom ath'e sbottom nupwardlyto adjacentzthe top .:of1the ;:pack. fThese flaps 1 35; and; 13.6nare;ofmlfltieplyzwvebbingmeinformed;materialstitchedtoraddastifinessthereto. Eachzofsthem are provided with harnessrreceiving loops .131secured in closed relation :by snap fasteners l 3.8 shownin :Figure 11:of 1 the drawings. These fiapssare additionally proyided with harnessretaining strips l39 securedabyasnap fastenors I40, for a purpose to besubse uentlymentioned.

=It will: be noted-that :theawall portion' l-25.-.at the top of thezback :of v the container :is p vided with harness .-attaching.-.extensi0ns J40 which extend over theshoulders of r the wearertoprotect the wearers shouldersfromharness adapters, etc.,' and. toinsure. body. conforming-of the :outline :of: the container to thewearer.

-Withreference to-the association of the harness .C withthe pack G, theibaekestrapsd I and 32 --.aresecured-upon. the. portion I of the .-backwall of the pack-by .a snapJfastener-retained strip.- HH where thesestraps cross. .-Additional-ly, areta-ining strip. 1 4.2. provided at.its ends-with snap fastenerv held portionsl43.-which :securethe .upperends .-of these. .backcrossing straps in. .position upon theextreme top.of the wall, portion I25, and at the:upper .tips..of the extensions I40* are-provided snap. fastenerv held strips 145 which hold theshoulder;portionsof .the. harness thereupon. The straps ..3l=.and .32 where theyextend to the flaps. l35 .and. I36 areheld .inplace by :the. snap.fastener. held strips 1.39 -.above. .described, .as shown in thedrawings,. and. the. waist portion. formed ..by adjustable. connectionof. the lower parts .of thestraps .3l ..and-32..are .held .by othersnap. fastener heldstrips M1,- shown' best in Figure 1'1..of'.thedrawings.

The leg strapsl llland -4.l..are. threaded about the riserwebsof..the..sling..and the ..-snap.fastener loops l31..of..the..sideflaps 135.,and.l.36 .engage'the riser ..webs. of the harness; thelegstrapslln. and. being. located-between the. respective loopsoithesefiapsin the relationshown in Fig...l0.. This. holdsathe positioneofthe. leg straps and insures accuracyin the, pos'itionin .of the flapsagainst riding. up. or down-alongthe riser .webs. In. thismanner. theside flaps I35 and I 3.6..are assured ofsnugfitting about the sides .ofthe body; preventing any exposed side margins. oithe. pack, liable to.catch .upon objects .duringmovementof. the wearer. 7

"From the foregoingdescription of the packlG itwill' .be .appreciatedthat the same will .beextremely flexible longitudinally, and withvrespect to the upper and lower portions this willbeparticularly true,because of the stili. yjet yieldable reinforced portions of .the.backwall structure.

' The. ends ofthe harness webs. .extendinto the container of the packover the portions 140% and the shroud lines .are preferablylongitudinally-secured upon. the. wall. Jill] -of-; the pack in.po.ckets J 5.0.. formedv by. strips which .are xplaced immediatelybelow. the upper frame piece. .l.l0...and-,immediat'ely abovetheelower.frame piece 1,] l1. desired, these pockets may .be, placed to position.the strands of. shroud .lines crosswise. The. can.- 'opy-Kis .packed..in the container. .with..a ,portion .extending .into.the..pocket..formed by. the. upper flap. 1.05.

It. will .be .noted. thatv the. housingJ 5]: for the rip cordisconnected. at .its. .lower. end. .uponthe harness riser web .and. at-itsdupper-i end. .it is :connected son. the :free end .of-the ,flapr4.0.5, rat .1 52 .(-see-:Eigure 11-) tures Offiaps. 101,: H14 and: [:05.

.In .addition tootherfeatures .-.common to: bothforms of invention,itwillgbernotedz thatthe rip cord extends thru; the cones oiwtheafiapsinthe usual -manner,. as shown: in. Figures ;-3::and 12 :of thedrawings. Also; in .bothformsof invention elasticszll3 are providedwhich are,-positi0.ned over. the. frame piecesand extend over-the sidesofzthe pack for attachment to the;.side.ilaps. Tubular sheath portions:maygibe; provided upon the wall structure'offthe container to hold theseelasticsv :in I place. Due tothe spaced-bar constructions; 'ofthe crosssprinss.- the elastics. and their sheaths can socket between the barswithout resulting in body, discomfort to the ,wearer. Also, pilot,parachutes I10 may be provided,.-.as shown in the longitudinalsectional.viewsoflFigures 4, 5, l3 and 14, separated from the maincanopy by auxiliary flapswlll placed upon the side-.iiaps of thecontainer. Also, .safetyfiaps maybe-provided for housing'the ripcordeandgrommet and cone structures as :is usual.

Various changes in the shape, size andarrangement of parts may bemade-to the'forms of invention herein shown and described, .-withoutdeparting from the spiritof thei-nvention orthe. scope of the following,claims.

We claim:

.1. In a parachute pack the; combinationpfa flexible fabric container,andtransverse. flexible form retaining strips secured totthe backqof thecontainer and terminating-short of. the extreme side edges of thecontainer said strips-beingof non-fabric material and each consistingof.relatively spaced but relatively connected multiple bar portions.

2. In auform fitting backpack forqparachute equipmentthe combination. ofarcontainerin- .cluding a. foundation wall, side flapssecured. to said.wall, top. andbottom flapssecur-ed. to said walL- resilient framemembers. positioned transversely upon the ioundationwallin spacedrelation,. and side wall. forming fabric reinforcement secured directlyat the junctureof said sides of .the foundation wallandsidefiaps ..and..extending along. said juncture and partially. across each of said sideflaps,..a parachute. canopy, shroud lines. and means. for securingsaidshroud lines and canopy within .the packcontal'ner.

3. Ina form fitting backpack the combination of .a container. includingafoundation .wall having enclosure flaps, means .fordetachably .con:necting said .fiaps together. .to. forma container for receiving. aparachute. and shroud lines; frame means in said foundation wall sldewalls of stiff fabric reinforcementalong the sides of said foundationwall,,and harness attaching side iflaps connected with said 'stiiifabric reinforcement.

.4.- In a. form fittingl back pack'for parachute equipment thecombination .of a container including a foundation wall and. releasablyconnected flaps for receiving a parachute in enclosed relation therein,and aplurality of frame pieces relatively narrow .and extending inlength crosswise upon the foundation .wa'll, said frame pieces beingflexible yet sufficiently sprin yto hold the shape of the .pa'ckand flexunder bQdy movementv of the wearer, said frame pieces being .of closelyspaced double bars secured together at their ends.

Ina .form. fittingback, pack for parachute .equipmentthe combination ofa ccntainerincluding :a foundation wall and. releasably...connectedEliheiiap 4.02 .isprovided with .75 .flapsifor. receiving a parachute-inenclosed relanarrow and extending in length crosswise upon thefoundation wall, said frame pieces being flexible yet sufficientlyspringy to hold the shape of the pack and flex underbody movement of thewearer, said frame pieces being of closely spaced double bars securedtogether at their ends, and flap opening elastic means secured upon thefoundation wall and extending along frame pieces between the barsthereof.

6. In a back pack construction for parachutes the combination of afoundation wall, flaps connected with the foundation wall marginallythereof, means to releasably connect said flaps together to enclose aparachute and shroud lines, upper and lower spring material frame pieceshaving convexly arcuate upper and lower portions adapted to curve thepack at the top and bottom thereof, and independent cross frame piecesof spring material connected with the foundation wall between the upperand lower frame pieces above mentioned and independent thereof, saidupper and lower frame pieces and the intermediate frame pieces eachincluding spaced'double bar portions in close'relation.

7. In a back packconstruction for parachutes the combination of afoundation wall, flaps connected with the foundation wall marginallythereof, means to releasably connect said flaps together to enclose aparachute and shroud lines, upper and lower spring'material frame pieceshaving convexly arcuate upper and lower portions adapted to curve thepack at the top and bottom thereof, and independent cross frame piecesof spring material connected with the foundation wall between the upperand lower frame pieces above mentioned and independent thereof, saidupper and lower frame pieces and the intermediate frame pieces eachincluding spaced bar portions in close relation, said frame pieces allterminating short of the side marginal extremities of the foundationwall, and elastic flap opening means secured upon the foundation wallextending along said frame pieces between the individual bars thereofand around the sides of the container and being attached to therespective side flaps of said container.

8. In a form fitting thin parachute pack the combination of a foundationwall of substantially rectangular formation having relatively wide sidefiaps secured thereto, short top and bottom flaps, relativelyindependent spring frame pieces secured independently upon thefoundation wall, and fabric shape holding and reinforcing webbingsecured upon said pack at the side margins of said foundation wall andextending upwardly along said side flaps and partially thereacross.

9 In a form fitting thin parachute pack the combinationof a foundationwall of substantially rectangular formation having relatively wide sideflaps securedthereto, short top and bottom flaps, relatively independentspring frame pieces secured independently upon'the' foundation wall,fabric shape holding'and reinforcing webbing secured upon said pack atthe side margins of said foundation wall and extending upwardly alongsaid side flaps and partially thereacross, and position holding flapssecured externally upon said side flaps at the locational securement ofsaid reinforcing webbing. V

10. In a form fitting back pack for parachutes the combination of acontainer including, a foundation wall having flexible enclosure flapsconnected marginally thereabout, said foundation wall having a pluralityof relatively spaced spring T10 frames whichvare transversely flexibleand normally curved terminating short of the extreme side margins ofsaid foundation wall.

1. In a form fitting back pack for parachutes the-combination of acontainer including a foundation wall with enclosure flaps for theparachute, said foundation wall having a plurality of relatively spacedspring frames which are transversely flexible and normally curved,terminating short of the side margins of said foundation wall, and sidewall providing reinforced shaping fabric secured at the juncture of saidfoundation wall and side flaps and extending upwardly along the latter.I Y

12. In a form fitting parachute pack the combination of a foundationwall having multiple ply fabric reinforced upper and lower portionscovering a substantial area of said foundation wall, transverselypositioned resilient frame pieces upon the foundation wall between thefabric reinforced upper and lower portions, and flexible enclosure flapsfor enclosing the parachute and shroud linesmarginally connected uponthe foundation wall. 1

13. In a form fitting parachute pack the com bination. Of a foundationwall including fabric reinforced upperand lower portions, transverselypositioned resilient frame piecesupon the foundation wall between thefabric reinforced upper and lower portions,venclosure flaps forenclosing the parachute shroud lines upon the foundation wall, saidframe pieces terminating short of the extremities of the side margins ofthe foundation wall, and fabric stiffener reinforcement upon the sideflaps adjacent the side margins of said foundationwalll 14. In a formfitting-parachute pack the combination of a foundation wall includingfabric reinforced upper and lower portions, transversely positionedresilient frame pieces upon the foundation wall between the fabricreinforced upper and lower portions, enclosure flaps for enclosing. theparachute and shroudlines upon the foundation wall, said frame piecesterminating short of the extremities of the side margins of thefoundation wall, fabric stiffener reinforcement upon the side flapsadjacent the side margins of said foundation wall, and pocket meanssecured upon the foundation wall for releasably receiving shroud linesin longitudinal extension upon said foundation wall.

15. In a form fitting parachute pack the combination of a foundationwall, transverse spring frame, pieces mounted as a part of saidfoundation wall, said frame pieces being transversely yieldable, saidfoundation wall above the uppermost frame piece. having flexible fabricreinforcement and the foundation wall below the lowermost posedintermediate the upper and lower portions of said upper fabricreinforced portion of the foundation wall .and shaped to provide adownwardly facing pocketgand means for releasably holding said flaps inparachute canopy enclosing relation. I r

16. In a form fittingbackpack for parachutes the combination of afoundation wall, transversely yieldable metal spring frame piecesinindependent relationup'on foundation wall, side flaps, sidereinforcement of webbing material secured to said side 'flaps adjacentthe connection of the pal-Ire with .the sides of said foundatio n wall,up-

age-sages 111 per and lower fabricreinfoi'ced'portionsas 'a'continuation of thefoufldation-wall above and below the frame piecesabove menti'oneo, said foundation wall at th'et0pthereof-" abovetheupper fabric reinforcing f portion 'providin'g spaced "harness attachingextensions.

17. In aformfittingparachuteback-"pack the combination of a" containerformed of a flexible fabric foundation wall; fl'xi-ble'fabric side wallsconnected therewith, and-flexible fabric top and bottom flapsconnectedwith the foundation wall, a plurality of transversely flexiblepack shaping springs oonnecteu in spacedin'dependent relation across thefoundation wall short of the upper and lowenportions" thereofffabricreinforcement upon theuppefaiidlower portions of said foundation" wallabove and" below the extreme spring members positioned therein tolaterally and longitudinallystifien said"foundation wall, sidewallfabric reinforcements secured-to the sideflapsadjacentto"theextreniemarginsof the foundation wall; andm'ean'storel'ea'sab'ly en'- close said side, top andbottoniflapsupon aparachutecanopy.

18. In" a 'parac'hutrprack' construction the combination' of a flexiblefabric foundation Wall of substantially rectangular appearance,transverse flexible form retaining strips secured to the foundation wallnormal totlie"major axis of the container, each ofwhiel'iterlninate's'atits ends a short distance from'the extremeside'edges of the foundationwa11',*siue enclosurefl'apsof a flex ible nature 'marginally'secured" to"the" side edges of the foundation" wall b'eyondthe ends" of saidretaining strips, and flexible end closure walls connected to the endsoftiie'fouridatiofiwall.

19. In a parachutepack construction the'combination of afoundation"wall"of"flexible construction, flaps connected marginallywith the foundation wall; mea'nsto re'leasably' connect-said flapstogether to" enclose" a" parachute and its shroud lines, aplurali't'yo'felongated transverse- 1y flexible springyfbrfn retainiirgmemb'ersconnected to the foundation wall each formed of relatively spaced barportions, 'andflap' op'ening elastics connected with" thefl'ap's' andwith the foundation wall extending. parallel within the space betweenthe spacedbars of said frame pieces.

20. In a formfltting"parachuteback'pack the combination of anelongated"foundation" wall of flexibleni'ateria'l, top and b'o'ttbin"flaps" connected with said foundation wall; sideflaps connected withsaid foundation wall, means to releasably connect said flapstb'g'ethertoenclose aparachute canopy'and shroud neswitliiritlie'pack,transversely extendingspringy framep'ieces connected to theioundationwaii' in' relatively spacedrelation, and shroud lineretainlng" pockets secured upon the foundation wail adjacent to the sideflapswith the openingsthereoffacing in a line normal't'o the major'axisof'thefoundation wall.

21. In a form fitting'backipack for'parachutes the combination or a,c'ontainerincluding-a foundation wall with enclosure" flaps for" theparachute; said foundation" wall I having a plurality of relativelyspaced'springf'rames of a transversely flexible nature secured thereto,the endso'f said springs terminating short ofthe side margins of thefoundation wall, and" side'wall providing reinfo'rcing fabric secured atthe juncture of the foundation wall and side flaps and extendingmarginally along the foundation wall and partially across each oftheside flaps.

22. In a container" construction for' parachute packs "the combinationofx'afoundationi wall- :or flexible material-having marginally:connected therewith a plurality-of enclosure-flaps; frame springs offlexible 'spz-"ing yvma-teria'l connected to remote ends-of thefoundationiwall in shape re"- taining relation therefor each including apair of r relatively spaced bar portions, and a plurality of independentframe springs connected-to the foundation wall between thef'aforem'entioned end frame springs and each 'of-which'intermediateframesprings consists 'of 'a' 'pairof relatively spaced bar portions;

23-. In a form' fitting 'backipa'ck' for parachutes the-combinationofzan elongated foundation wall of flexible material; side-flaps:marginally" connected to the foundation' wall, a bottom end flapmarginally connected to thebottom end of the foundation wall,'.and. a'form shaped curved flexible'rflap secured upon thevpackforming surfaceof the-foundation'wallat: the top end thereof short of theextre-meedge-thereof, the bottom portion of the foundation wall for anappreciable nected-'tothe. foundation wall; a? bottom end flapmarginally connected to the r bottom end" of. the

foundation wall; I and a form shaped curved flexible flap secured 'uponthe packforming. surface 'of' the foundation wall "at the top end"thereof short Of the extreme edge thereof, the bottom portion of thefoundation 'wall for an appreciable area: being' reinforcediwithstiffflexible material upwardly of the flap *conne'otedat'the marginof'the'foundation wal1,.and thestopportion of the foundation wall both'"outwardly beyond and downwardly of the. top'curved' flapbeing-reinforced with stiffening" material thereacross, and transverselyextending frame springs connected to the foundation wall-betweenthe-reinforced lower and upper portionsaofrthe foundation wall.

HAROLD G; ROGERS; CI-EES'I'ER'C'. REFERENGES CITED The followingreferences-are-of record in the fileof this patent:

UNITED STATES" PA'IENTS' V OTHERREFERENGES Irvin service'Manualg 1928,page 9

